Many e-bay members and others have expressed disappointment over newer model Mercedes Benz and their reliability ( see Ebay guides). As a car lover and MB lover specifically, I find the older 1982-85 MB models to be the tops and with a modest investment in a used car purchase and additional TLC, one can have the best of the Mercedes lineage and a very affordable, reliable and enjoyable automobile.

Particularly, the four and five cylinder diesel models made from 1982-1985 are the standard engines the world over. Parts are everywhere and with routine service, mileage often exceeds half a million miles. They are not the flashy newer electronic models but as such avoid many of the electrical problems reported in more recent model MBs. Their styling is the classic 123 or 126 body styles. The engine block and head are cast iron. (After 1985 the engine heads were made of an alumium alloy for weight considerations as the cylinder number rose to 6 for more horse power). Cast iron top and bottom has proven very hard to beat thought the price is a less peppy ride. The 4 cylinder 240D needs to be manual as the 240D automatic crawls.The 300D or SD series 5 cylinders are mostly turbo ( in US) and accelerate much better. Either can be run on biodiesel no problems and no conversions as long as the biodiesel is a blend and not straight french fry grease. Fuel lines need to be synthetic for biodiesel and most if not all are. The addition of a few ounces of a good diesel stabilzer / additive ( PRI-D) occassionally will help dissolve old diesel fuel debris build up that will be purged by the switch to biodiesel and keep fuel lines clean and fuel tank sending units from sticking.

If you want the safety, reliability, comfort and pure enjoyment of a good MB, consider a clean early 1980's model, get a clean report on Autocheck, put some additional time and money in a good local mechanic's work to check it out and bring worn parts up to speed and for well under $10,000 you have a MB as good or better than what rolls of the assembly plant in Alabama or Stuttgart.

The best in motoring.

Tom in Carolina